EP 39 - A MILLION WAYS TO DIE.

"I guess we know why the Dragon keeps attacking the Paladins. Its just being territorial and guarding its treasure, from those who intend to steal it. So really i cant blame it ". Levi explained

"Except for the fact that it has killed lots of innocent people." Conrad said .

"Wait there is treasure?!" Avyanna rubbed her hand together , greedily. "We better confiscate it as part of our fees for dutifully chasing down the Dragon.".

"You mean taking it for yourself.....? " Conrad asked

"Exactly!" Avyanna patted him on the back.

Percival was surprised at the actions of these individuals . Taking money just for keeping people safe?! He knew it was wrong and didnt hesitate to say so. "Why are you collecting money just to protect innocent people? Cant you help them from the good of your heart? Look down into your soul and you will know that it isn't right to do so."

Everyone kept quiet as they thought deeply about his words.

"That... was so... touching ." Kyra said as if trying to hold back tears.

Then everyone burst out Laughing, leaving Percival baffled.

Avyanna laughed until her sides hurt , Conrad laughed so hard till he fell on the ground and was still laughing , Kyra was trying so hard not to join in but still gave in anyway and even Levi that was always so calm and reserved couldn't stop the laughs from rolling in.

"You're cute." Levi patted his cheek and added "But For that rubbish you just spouted , we are increasing our pay by 15%".

"Money makes the world go round. Money is like steroids ..." John spoke and grinned.

"Look at my muscles!" Obi flexed his arm , completing John's phrase.

Percival gave an exasperated sigh.

" Going back to the plan..." Conrad said "I have an idea." He then related his plan to Avyanna.

Then a sharp voice broke through the serenity of the air . It was Avyanna being ...

Well , her usually self .

"What!" Avyanna yelled. "Are you crazy!!!!".

"All I suggested is that we give a frontal assault. Offence is better than defence."

"Its the other way around, You... Why do i even try ?!!!" Avyanna groaned

Percival cut her short. "I agree with him..."

"See..." Conrad placed his arm on Percival's neck. "This guy gets me! and I'm starting to like him."

"But ..." Percival continued . "The way he said we should go about it , is bizarre."

Conrad slowly withdrew his arm from Percival's neck . "Liking you a lot less now."

"Okay, let's play out scenarios. Whichever is best , is what we'll use." Avyanna decided .

"Roll in Order!!!!" Eva commanded.

"Roll"

5

"4"

"1"

"6"

"3"

"Obi's first ". Eva declared.

Obi rubbed his hands together in excitement. "Conrad takes his guns and confronts the Dragon. He shoots it in the heart and the Dragon dies ...Bam!!!...Hurray...He's the hero ".

"Let me break it to you Obi , how poorly that plan will go". Eva said.

"Conrad goes into the cave. He brings out his guns and challenges the dragon. But unfortunately this only enrages the Dragon and it gives one blast of fire and goes straight for his trousers and burns up EVERYTHING BELOW THE WAIST beyond recognition". Eva ended.

Obi frowned. John chuckled and Su ling raised a hand as she was next.

"I've told you before Su ling, you dont need to raise your ..." Eva sighed . "You can say it."

"Does everything have to be resolved by violence? " Su ling demonstrated."

Let Kyra go in and talk to the Dragon. She feels a connection there and can talk it down."

"Let me tell you a million ways that could go wrong..."John started.

*Roasted to death.

*Crushed to death.

* Struck by lightning to death.

*Eaten to death...

John paused for a moment.

"I thought you said you had a million reasons. where are the rest "Smart ass..." Su ling scorned .

"Okay let me continue. drowning, by asphyxiation, By choking on a single gold coin ..."

"How does any of that concern a death by a dragon?" Sky questioned.

"I dont know. I'm not the dumb , crazy one that wants to reason with a murderous , killer dragon." John spoke brashly to Su ling who now stuck her

tongue out at him.

"John , do you have any ideas ?" Eva said

"Why bother myself to think when there are others that can do it for me?' He rested his head on his chair and sank in.

Eva have him a cold stare and that meant he had to talk.

"Okay ".He said determined." We go in , Levi , the handsome devil , will jump on the dragon's back and gag it ...won't be able to breathe fire and then its hands and legs are tied. So there problem solved!" He smirked.

"Even i know that's a stupid idea. What would you use to gag it? Your belt? And what Dragon would stay put for you to gag its mouth just like that? And you called my idea dumb." Su ling snubbed John .

Sky spoke up." Cant we lure it out with some kind of diversion?

Eva nodded in agreement . "That's right . If we could find someone to be a bait, your plan could actually work. And someone waits to go into the cave. Brilliant!!" Eva exclaimed.

"All that troubles is worth it, if only we can get to save the treasure." Kyra told Avyanna with a tone of finality.

"You mean 'save the people' right??" Percival said.

Kyra gave him a stern look.

"I mean both saving the treasure and the people."

"Okay , someone needs to go into that cave and act as the distraction to lure the Dragon out of its lair." Levi reasoned. "Now the only question is... who is the brave volunteer that can go on and face certain death?"

They all looked at Conrad.

"No way!"

" Everyone Rolls."

"3"

"5"

"6"

Eva smiled wickedly.

It was now between Su Ling and Obi.

Obi rolled.

"6"

He cheered for himself as Su ling tossed the die.

"2"

"For the first time, i got a number that benefited me." Obi said happily.

Su ling shook the die in her hand with a devilish look in her eyes. "You have the highest HP levels so you have to go."

The others shook their heads in affirmation.

"Four to One , so you go!" Su ling smiled.

Conrad sighed and began to move in the direction of the cave and he turned back and saw Levi scowling at him and Kyra smiling & waving .

What conrad couldn't fathom was , was it a - come - back - soon Wave OR a - Your -Going -to -die -and - Never come back smile.

In reply Conrad shot the four people standing and looking at him , an emphatic middle finger.

Then he looked forward and gulped.

"Damn you guys!!" He cursed silently.